How to alleviate hypoglycemia

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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In general, for hypoglycemia, if a diabetic's blood sugar falls below 3.9 or a non-diabetic's blood sugar falls below 2.8, it is considered hypoglycemia. In terms of treatment, if the patient is conscious and experiences symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweat, and hunger, it is recommended to measure blood sugar immediately and then eat foods that quickly increase blood sugar levels, such as chocolate or candy. If hypoglycemia in a patient is not corrected in time, it can lead to coma. If the patient is comatose, it is advised to call emergency services immediately and administer a 50% glucose intravenous injection to correct the hypoglycemia.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
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What to eat for low blood sugar?

For already occurring hypoglycemia, our treatment goal is to quickly alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia. The primary method is to provide sugar, either through sugar water, sugary drinks, or sugar-containing fruits, bread, etc. After providing sugar, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be quickly relieved. At the same time, to prevent hypoglycemia, we need to do the following: first, eat meals regularly every day, avoiding eating too late or not enough. Second, it is not advisable to exercise on an empty stomach; it is appropriate to eat something before exercising. Third, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can inhibit the conversion of liver glycogen into glucose in the body, making it easy to develop hypoglycemia, so avoid excessive drinking. Fourth, once common symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, sweating, and other symptoms occur, we should quickly provide sugar.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to treat hypoglycemia?

First, we need to accurately identify what hypoglycemia is. We often judge the occurrence of hypoglycemia based on symptoms, such as common symptoms including palpitations, dizziness, pale complexion, general weakness, trembling limbs, sweating, etc. When these symptoms appear, we should immediately use a rapid glucose meter to measure the fingertip blood sugar. If the blood sugar is below 2.8, then the diagnosis of hypoglycemia is confirmed. We immediately provide sugary drinks or other forms of energy substances, and the symptoms of low blood sugar can be greatly relieved.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
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How to test for hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to a syndrome characterized by symptoms of sympathetic nerve excitation and brain cell hypoxia due to low blood glucose concentration. We usually identify hypoglycemia first by a series of symptoms. The primary symptoms of hypoglycemia are sympathetic nerve symptoms, including dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, hunger, and pallor. If these symptoms occur, we use a glucometer to determine if the blood sugar level is below 2.8 mmol/L. If the blood sugar is below 2.8 mmol/L, one should quickly consume sugary water and energy. If the patient's symptoms are alleviated, then it is considered hypoglycemia.

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How is hypoglycemia treated?

For mild hypoglycemia, if the patient is conscious, they can self-treat by orally consuming sugary solutions or foods containing carbohydrates, such as beverages, fruit juices, glucose water, candies, etc. In cases of more severe hypoglycemia accompanied by changes in consciousness, oral sugar intake is not advisable. Instead, intravenous glucose injections should be administered to raise blood sugar levels, typically using about 40-100 ml of 50% concentrated glucose. Blood sugar levels should be monitored repeatedly. If the patient does not regain consciousness, repeated glucose injections may be necessary. For severe cases with other organic pathologies, treatment with corticosteroids may be required, and emergency hospital treatment is necessary.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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Is hypoglycemia dangerous?

For hypoglycemia that has already occurred, as long as we can accurately and promptly identify the onset of hypoglycemia and provide appropriate treatment, the hypoglycemia can be alleviated and cured. Occasional hypoglycemia is not very dangerous after being handled, but if hypoglycemia occurs frequently and does not receive timely rescue, it can cause significant damage to the human body, especially the central nervous system, causing damage to brain cells. If hypoglycemia lasts too long, it can even endanger life, leading to coma, death, etc.